Lens v PSG moved to 13 May as Lens will not appeal | OneFootball

Paris SG have been granted an LFP postponement of their Ligue 1 trip to Lens, originally set for 11 April, to 13 May so they can focus on their Champions League quarter-final with Liverpool in mid-April. The call has stirred debate.

According to L’Equipe, Lens will not appeal to the CNOSF conciliators, judging a lengthy process without guarantees was not worth the strain. They preferred to maintain dignity and avoid a taxing, uncertain process.

Lens had previously opposed the delay, stressing fairness, clear rules and respect for all parties in a Monday statement. PSG noted the League’s decision and, as a party to the case, did not take part in the vote.

The LFP has proposed moving RC Lens v Nantes, the 33rd round, forward to Friday 8 May if PSG reach the Champions League semi-finals. That tweak would spread three games across eight days.

The arbitration also covers Brest v Strasbourg, with Strasbourg involved in the Conference League against Mainz.

The move aligns with the board’s strategy to safeguard France’s fifth place in UEFA’s coefficient, which secures four Champions League slots. President Vincent Labrune backs easing schedules for clubs in Europe to protect and possibly improve that ranking, bringing sporting and economic benefits to non-European sides.

The sporting rivalry is mirrored in the corridors of power, between Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and Joseph Oughourlian, with the Lens president questioning his counterpart’s dual role as board member and beIN Sports chief.

Source: Le Progres